Review of This Road we Traveled by Jane Kirkpatrick

This blog post is a review of the book This Road we Traveled by Jane Kirkpatrick. 

Back Cover Synopsis: 
        " Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon    even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party. After all, family ties are stronger than fear.
           Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life   and the greater part she had to play in history.
        With her signature attention to detail and epic style, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites you to travel the deadly and enticing Oregon Trail. Based on actual events, This Road we Traveled inspires the pioneer in all of us."

About the Author:
     Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling author of nearly thirty books, including A Light in the Wilderness, The Memory Weaver, and A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. She is also the winner of the WILLA Literary Award and Carol Award for Historical Fiction. Jane lives in Central Oregon with her husband, Jerry. Learn more at www.jkbooks.com.

My thoughts:
       I really enjoyed This Road we Traveled. I had never read any of Jane Kirkpatrick's work before, but expected good things from such an award-winning author. I was not disappointed. This book was very well written. It was based on real life events and real people but written as historical fiction. The characters and events were very realistic because so many of them were real. This story gives real insight into what many people faced on the Oregon Trail and the tough decisions that they had to make. It was a thought provoking yet entertaining read. The determination and perseverance of the pioneers is celebrated in the pages of this book. I would recommend this book to teens and adults. I received this book in exchange for my honest review through the Revell Reads blogger review program.

Review of Where Hope Prevails by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

This blog post is a review of the book Where Hope Prevails by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan. Where Hope Prevails is the third book in the Return to the Canada West series.

*SPOILER ALERT*  This book is a companion story to Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart TV series. If you are watching the TV series and not fully caught up and don't like spoilers you might not want to read this book or post. The book is not exactly the same as the series but it is fairly close in some places.

Back Cover Synopsis: 

She leans forward for her first glimpse of the little mountain town that has captured her heart, but something has changed.

Elizabeth Thatcher's highly anticipated return to her beloved Coal Valley after a long summer with her family back east is filled with surprises . . . and not all of them good ones, in her estimation. Maybe the worst one of all relates to her treasured students. Can she adapt and learn to cope with this enormous change?Her Mountie, Jarrick Thornton, hasn't yet proposed, but she already knows what her answer will be. His duties take him away from the valley much too often, in her view, but the two of them, with patience and understanding--and one significant misunderstanding--are learning to know each other better. The dark cloud looming on the horizon in Beth's mind, though, is filled with questions about where their future might take them. As a member of the RCMP, Jarrick is stationed wherever his superiors send him . . . but what about her teaching position in Coal Valley?Beth attempts to do her best with each obstacle she faces, but does she rightly assess each situation as it surfaces? Good intentions don't always lead to good results. . . .A companion story to Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart TV series

About the Authors:
   Bestselling author Janette Oke is celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry. Her novels have sold more than thirty million copies, and she's the recipient of the ECPA President's Award, the CBA Life Impact Award, the Gold Medallion, and the Christy Award. Janette and her husband, Edward, live in Alberta, Canada.
   
  Laurel Oke Logan, daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie, as well as the novels Dana's Valley,Where Courage Calls, and Where Trust Lies, which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel's growing family includes six children, their spouses, and three grandsons. 


My thoughts: I have to admit I enjoy a good clean chick flick every now and then, so I have always enjoyed watching the Janette Oke books turned movies. So yes, I do watch When Calls the Heart. I have been waiting for the next installment to come out so when I got the chance to review this book I couldn't resist spoilers or not. My sister can't stand spoilers but they have never really bothered me. I can enjoy a book or movie even when I know the end. I mean I read books over and over again all the time. But I digress... On to the actual review part. Janette Oke is a prolific and talented writer and her daughter must have inherited her talent because this book is a good solid read. Entertaining yet not too light. This book delves into some problems that a lot of people face. How do you love your enemy? And is your enemy really your enemy or just someone you misunderstood or feel threatened by? I know too often I find myself feeling the same way about some people as Elizabeth feels about Robert Harris Hughes in this story. This story is well written and the characters are compelling and relatable. I completely sympathized with Elizabeth throughout the story although I did get a little impatient with her hesitation to explain how she felt about certain things to Jack. But that is 5 1/2 years of marriage speaking. And just for anyone reading this to find out what happens with Jack and Elizabeth well I'll let you read the book. ;-) I enjoyed this book and recommend it to teens and adults. It is the third book in the series but I read it without too much confusion. If you watch the show you can probably read it without reading the first two. I received this book from the Bethany House publishers blogger review program in exchange for my honest review.

Review of Saffire by Sigmund Brouwer

This blog post is a review of the book Saffire by Sigmund Brouwer.

Back cover synopsis: 

I reminded myself that once you start to defend someone, it's difficult to find a place to stop. But I went ahead and took that first step anyway...

For President Teddy Roosevelt, controlling the east-west passage between two oceans mattered so much that he orchestrated a revolution to control it. His command was to "let the dirt fly" and for years, the American Zone of the Panama Canal mesmerized the world, working in uneasy co-existence with the Panamanian aristocrats.
     It's in this buffered Zone where, in 1909, James Holt begins to protect a mulatto girl named Saffire, expecting a short and simple search for her mother. Instead it draws him away from safety, into a land haunted by a history of pirates, gold runners, and plantation owners, all leaving behind ghosts of their interwoven desires, sins, and ambitions, ghosts that create the web of deceit and intrigue of a new generation of revolutionary politics. It will also bring him together with a woman who will change his course   or bring an end to it.
     A love story set within a historical mystery, Saffire brings to life the most impressive   and embattled    engineering achievement of the twentieth century.

About the Author:
 The best-selling author of the multi-award-winning World War II novel Thief of Glory, SIGMUND BROUWER has written nineteen novels and has more than three million books in print. Through his Rock and Roll Literacy Show, he leads writing workshops to eighty-thousand students a year in schools from the Arctic Circle to inner-city Los Angeles. Sigmund is married to recording artist Cindy Morgan and has two daughters.

My thoughts:
    I really enjoyed this book. It is wonderfully descriptive I could almost see the sights, smell the smells, and taste the food just through the authors words. His attention to detail set the scene and made the story come to life right in front of me. Mr. Brouwer is a phenomenal writer. The story is set in Panama during the building of the Canal. If you enjoy learning about history in a story setting this book is a good choice. I have always been a bit of a history buff so I definitely enjoyed it. Saffire has a bit of everything history, mystery, romance, suspense, and intrigue all combined to make a wonderful read. I look forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.
    I received this book from blogging for books in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Without Warning" by Lynette Eason

Today's blog post is a review of Without Warning by Lynette Eason. Without Warning is the second book in the Elite Guardians series.

Back Cover Synopsis:
Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.
Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again.

About the Author:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching and Without Warning in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of an ACFW Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com. 

My Thoughts:
Without Warning is the first book that I have read by Lynette Eason. It looked interesting so I thought I would give it a shot. I started reading not knowing what to expect and ended up finding another Christian suspense/mystery author to read. From the first words this book grabs your attention and doesn't let go. It was a real page turner and hard to put down. Lynette Eason is a talented writer who knows how to make a story come alive. I lookforward to reading more of her books in the future. Although Without Warning is the second book in its series it is easily stand alone. While it makes a couple references to the previous book you don't feel like you are missing pertinent information or playing catch up. All in all I enjoyed the book and recommend it to older teens and adults who enjoy this type of book. I received this book in exchange for my honest review through the Revell Reads blogger review program. 

Back to blogging

I know it has been a while since I last blogged. Right about a month actually  but that's ok because I allowed myself that much time as I knew I would need it. Ladies and gentlemen I have an announcement (insert drum roll)... MY HUSBAND IS FINALLY HOME!!! We made it through a seemingly endless deployment! I took some time off of everything non essential until we could get used to Daddy being home. It has been so good having him home. He came back in Father's Day weekend. The Saturday of Marie and Dustin's vow renewal. The kids went up with mom and dad and I stayed behind and picked Beau up. In true military fashion he was released about 3 or more hours later than he was supposed to be. My phone died waiting for him so I didn't get any homecoming pictures. :-(  As soon as he was released we grabbed his bags and hit the road. We headed up to Alabama to surprise Dad and the kids for Father's Day. We stopped part of the way there and got a room for the night and went the rest of the way in the morning. We were exhausted and didn't make it in until after church but we were able to spend several hours with the family. When we got their Abby saw us coming across the parking lot at church and took off at a full run towards Beau. She hit him so hard she nearly knocked him over. Rachel saw her daddy put out her arms and just said oh daddy, oh daddy and wouldn't let go of him. It was so sweet and pitiful. Hunter didn't even see him at first. He saw me and had this look like what are you doing here mommy and I finally got him to look at his daddy then he held onto his legs and hugged him. Ruthie hit Beau about like Abby did. Francie kept her composure and waited until she could get a hug without getting knocked over or pushed out of the way. LOL The boys were mostly just shocked that he was there. The hugged him and kept asking what we were doing there. Mom and Dad of course got their fair share of hugs and tears in mom's case. I think all of us teared up a little. It was so good to finally have him back. We had lunch and a nice visit with the family at Brother and Sister Horne's home. It was so nice to be able to visit with the family and friends in a private place instead of in a busy, noisy, restaurant. We are so thankful that they opened up their home to us. It was a blessing.
    After our visit we took off towards Pigeon Forge. We had made plans to spend about a week up there in a nice secluded cabin. We had a wonderful time. We mostly stayed at the cabin but we did venture out and go hiking one day, and to a cave a different day, then out for lunch or dinner a couple different times. It was relaxing and just what we needed after so long apart.
   On our way home we went back through Alabama and rescued Josh and Sissy as they had been stranded their since BTI when Josh hurt his ankle. We finally got home and got settled back in with the kids.
   Beau had a 30 day leave and he just went back to work about 2 weeks ago. It was good having him home for so long a period. It helped us readjust to having him home. My mom and Zach and Beth came down for a visit. That was nice. Then we had camp. I ended up not going the construction theme because I couldn't get the inspiration for it. When I put my devotions together I ended up going a completely different direction. It worked out great and the kids really seemed to get it. So that was great. I loved working with the kids. Hunter however was pushing the boundaries all camp long. He thought since Daddy was home maybe he didn't have to listen to Mommy anymore. He seems to be finally getting that he has to listen to both of us. It made for a very exhausting camp though.
      In other news Mom and Dad C are moving to Alabama to pastor the Bessemer church and Nathan is going out west to be an associate pastor. It is bitter-sweet we are sad to see them go. We will miss them so much and feel sort of left behind. At the same time we are excited for them and the new adventure God is taking them on. Our new pastor is Brother Clarkson and Brother Austin Garcia is our associate pastor. That is exciting too.
  In more serious news my grandfather has congestive heart failure and is not doing well at all. About a week ago he was given anywhere from a couple days to a month to live. He is in need of prayer. Our whole family needs prayer but especially my dad. He just lost his mom in November and now Pappaw is so very sick. Please keep Pappaw and all of us in your prayers.
 

Review of All Summer Long by Melody Carlson

This blog post is a review of the book All Summer Long by Melody Carlson.

 

Back cover synopsis:  

She's ready to take on a new challenge. What she doesn't expect is an old flame.

Tia D'Amico is thrilled to move to San Francisco to help her aunt transform an old luxury yacht into an upscale floating restaurant. What's not to love? Sunset dinner cruises, posh wedding receptions--the possibilities are endless and far more appetizing than staying in a monotonous job in her Podunk hometown. Besides, some of her best memories are tied to San Francisco--especially the memory of Leo Parker, her crush from a long-ago sailing camp.

When Leo Parker himself turns out to be the yacht's captain, Tia is floating on air. But will it all come crashing down around her when she discovers his heart belongs to someone else?

Get ready for a romantic summer in San Francisco, where the future glistens brighter than the Bay at sunset.

About the Author: 

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred boops with sales of more than 6.5 million. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com. 

My thoughts :

 All Summer Long was a pretty entertaining book but didn't have a lot of substance to it. It was, for the most part, a fluffy light read. I prefer books that have more substance and meat to them. The characters were well written and the plot was interesting and I could tell that the author had a talent for writing. Overall I thought the book was about average. I didn't hate it but I didn't really love it either. I liked it ok but it wasn't my favorite. It is the second book in the Follow Your Heart series but can stand alone. It is a christian book but it didn't really have a lot of christian overtones to it. If you like light fluffy entertaining reads then you will probably enjoy this book. If you prefer more substance and the romance as a side or seasoning to the main story you probably won't enjoy this book as much. Like I said before, I didn't really dislike the book it just wasn't my cup of tea.

  I received this book in exchange for my honest review as part of the Revell Reads blogger review program. 

Catching up

How is it that time seems to pass so slowly when we are children but by the time we have children of our own we feel like we are running ninety to nothing all the time? I feel like I get so busy with the day to day, taking care of my children, home, church responsibilities, and miscellaneous things that come up that time can seem to whiz by but you can't think of anything major that has happened. Somewhere in the time since I last blogged, Jordy and I took the kids to the beach. That was fun. They are finally starting to enjoy the water. Other than that just regular every day stuff. Spring/summer cleaning windows, blinds, doors, walls, etc. Then we have been getting ready for Marie and Dustin's vow renewal. Beau's aunt and uncle who are only about 5 or so years older than us have been married for 15 years. They didn't get to have a nice big wedding the first time around so they are having it now. They are having most of the kids in it. Rachel, Abby, Catie, (Marie's daughter almost 3) and Jayden (Paul and Tina's daughter 5) are the flower girls. Rachel is super excited, she talks about it all the time. We have been getting all of her stuff together that she needs for that. So that involved a bit of running around and a shopping trip with Ruthie and Francie to find their shoes as they are bridesmaids. That is coming up very quickly now. Other than that not much to say other than we have had some good services lately.                Sometimes I feel discouraged and lonely with my husband so far away and taking care of everything by myself can be exhausting. The other night we had a really good service and I was able to get to that place where I just felt like I was getting a big hug from the Lord. Where He just held me and renewed my strength and my joy and I felt so rested and refreshed. It's amazing how He knows exactly what we need and when and how to give it to us. How to help us trust everything to Him. God is so good and gracious. I am so thankful that we have Saviour who can be touched with the feeling of out infirmitys. He knows our struggles and our sorrows because He took upon him the form of a  man and was found in fashion as a man. Jesus  was the very Son of God and He humbled himself to come to earth and dwell among us, to suffer the sorrows and trials we suffer, and He did it willingly. He did it because He loved us, even while we hated and rejected Him, He loved us enough to take our sins upon Himself and die that we might have new life through Him. He is so wonderful. 

     I think that is about caught up except for trying to figure out what the Lord wants me to share with the Peewee campers for cabin devotions  and trying to figure out how to draw them into it. Our camp theme is No turning back so I've been kind of thinking of the no uturn signs and road construction stuff and incorporating that somehow since a lot of little ones, especially little boys like cars. I will have all the boys and girls 6 and under and their moms in my cabin so I need to keep it short and simple but still get the message across. It has been a while since I taught kids that age,other than my own. I have been working with 8-12 year olds for a while now and haven't worked as much with littles or teens as much as I used to. Which my great group of kids are getting older and becoming VLB's and leaving my class which is really sad and happy at the same time. I miss working with them but they are so excited to be VLB's it makes me happy.